Articles tagged with: Renault

In the past week I’ve been discussing the use of the less obvious uses of fuel in a Formula One car. Keeping exhaust blown diffusers powered when the driver would normally be off the throttle (such as in corners therefore precisely when he needs it most) takes clever engine management. The more exhaust gas produced, the more downforce generated but that requires fuel. There have also been rumours that a similar approach has or at least could be applied to reduce the engine braking effect and so compensate for varying …

With the last opportunity for the teams to put their machinery to the test on the track ahead of the opening race now gone, we take a look at how the teams have faired. We analyse their prospects for the new season and highlight some potential weaknesses…

I’ve given up on trying to draft a preview for the 2011 season. Instead, it’ll be something last minute once the build-up finally settles down. Take a moment to look back just one month: Ferrari were the first to launch their 2011 challenger, unveiling the F150; Robert Kubica was full of confidence, setting the testing pace in Valencia; everyone was looking forward to the season opening race in Bahrain…

Over the four days of the second group test, four different driver and car combinations set the fastest time, underlining how impossible it is to read any real performance into the lap times, although Ferrari consistently figured near the top of the time sheets. Remaining dry for all but the final few minutes of the meeting, all the teams, with notable absence of Hispania, were running their 2011 challengers…

A lot of the anticipation surrounding the launch of the Renault was kind of lost by the fact that the livery design had already been revealed. Twice. However, here it is, finally adorning the R31. And the R31 it is, as the team continues Renault’s chassis designation. Which also means as far as teams names are concerned, Renault it is going to have to be. The team also announced Bruno Senna as a reserve driver, following the similar announcement for Sebastien Grosjean a few days ago…

Another race, another pole position for Red Bull, the seventh this season for Sebastian Vettel and his fourth in succession, the perfect way for the team to celebrate their 100th F1 race start. The opposition were less than happy; some believe that the Milton Keynes based team have an unfair advantage with an “illegal” front wing that has thus far, passed scrutiny by the stewards. And with pace this strong, 1.2 seconds ahead of the nearest Ferrari and 1.7 seconds faster than Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren you can’t blame them for …